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Although this is probably more suited for the tweak asylum I thought I'd give us planar heads a quick assessment. I've always been intrigued with the Argent lens setup; I even created a diy quasi-lens in tweaks a few years back (granted without understanding the science behind them, and I'm not sure many do).I knew I couldn't afford them new when they came out (around $1,500 for a set of three). So when I saw a set come up for sale ($350) in an estate sale of a local audiophile who had sadly passed away, I thought I'd give them a shot.
From what I could gather online, they're most always likened to helmholtz resonators (the ole' blowing air across a open bottle/jug concept) except in this case it's sound waves vs air across the open tubes. What's planted inside the tubes, no one really knows (at least very little is found online regarding such; which is strange in itself).
Long story short, they're great room treatments, not Maggies treatments. Also there's no set placement rules, you just have to find the right spot to plant em'; in my case one against a back wall, the other flanking a Maggie, the remaining one about 5 ft forward of the opposing Maggie.
I gotta admit I was somewhat skeptical at first but once I plunked them down the effect was heard immediately. They don't affect the "Maggie Sound", but what they will do is 'clean up' the room's waves. What I noticed immediately (and the best way I can describe it) is they removed the 'ghosting' that would present itself; meaning imaging became more apparent, 'defined' and 'steady'. I can't say imaging placement is better, because it was always there. What I can say is the placement is now more pronounced, sharp.
Occasionally I'll move them out away from the rear wall and into the room, although I'm not sure the effect is that much different, not to mention I don't want mamma running into them at night lol.
Bottom line is if you ever see a set come up for sale (company went under long ago) grab em'!
Edits: 04/09/15 04/09/15 04/10/15Follow Ups:
Are those metal tubes?
The one who succeeded was the one who didn't know it was impossible.
They are made of plastic.
Would you mind, GL, trying out the position that I found did a lot of good with my last setup. (It greatly increased soundstage depth.)
Even though you've got your ribbons on the outside, you'll be able to find a 'pathway' that goes from your ribbons ... reflects off the front wall ... and then goes to your ears. Put a Room Lens in this pathway - say, 6" to a ft off the wall.
I'm interested to know whether you get the deepening of soundstage that I - and others who came to listen - experienced.
BTW , I don't have "the real thing" - I found Jon Risch's DIY instructions on AA and followed those. So mine are made out of plumbing tube (with a black 'sock' over the 3 tubes, to keep wifey happy! :-)) ).
You should be aware that the length of a Helmholtz resonator is tuned to the height of the room - so the stock Room Lenses are optimised for a particular ceiling height. (What's the default ceiling height in the US?)
Re. what's inside - Jon Risch's instructions were to put a length of the 'polyfill'? stuff that goes into pillows into the tube - at a particular location.
Regards,
Andy
Thanks Andy for the tips; will def give em' a try in the near future-
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